Romney Campaign Says They ‘Welcome’ George Bush’s Support

Mitt Romney’s campaign still has yet to issue a statement or announcement following President George W. Bush’s expression of support for Mr. Romney’s candidacy earlier this afternoon. After we wrote a post about the conspicuous silence, Mr. Romney’s spokeswoman, Andrea Saul, wrote back to assure us he’s glad to have Mr. Bush’s endorsement.

“We welcome the president’s support, as we welcomed his father’s,” Ms. Saul said.

Though the Romney campaign is pleased to have Mr. Bush’s backing, don’t expect to see the ex-president stumping for Mr. Romney on the campaign trail.

Mr. Bush’s father, former President George Bush Sr., endorsed Mr. Romney back in March. At the time, Mr. Romney and the elder Mr. Bush appeared togetherat a press conference in Houston. Ms. Saul told us she doesn’t expect there will be joint appearances with Mr. Romney and the younger Mr. Bush.

“We’re proud to have the president’s support, but he made clear when he left office that he was not going to engage in political campaigns and we have no reason to believe that is going to change,” Ms. Saul said.

The younger Mr. Bush ended his presidency in January, 2009 with a final job approval rating of 34 percent and a 61 percent disapproval rating. He is one of only three presidents in the postwar era to end his presidency with final job approval ratings in the low 30s, along with Harry Truman and Jimmy Carter. According to the most recent polls, he is still viewed unfavorably by the majority of Americans.